After a thrilling 15-inning victory that propelled the Seattle Mariners into the American League Championship Series, first baseman Josh Naylor, hailing from Mississauga, Ont., shared his thoughts on potentially facing the Toronto Blue Jays in the post-season. Naylor expressed his excitement about potentially competing against his former teammates from the Cleveland Guardians organization who now play for Toronto, including Myles Straw, Nick Sandlin, Andres Gimenez, and Ernie Clement. Despite the competitive spirit, Naylor emphasized the bond and camaraderie he shares with his former colleagues.
The transition of these former Guardians to the Blue Jays roster took various paths. For instance, Ernie Clement joined Toronto through a minor-league deal in March 2023 after his time with the Oakland Athletics. Meanwhile, Gimenez and Sandlin were acquired through trades in December, and Myles Straw was brought in through a separate deal a month later. Adding to the mix, Shane Bieber, who will start for Toronto in Game 3, was picked up just before the trade deadline on July 31.
The familiarity among the former Guardians has created a seamless integration within the Blue Jays team, with Shane Bieber highlighting the support and ease of transition provided by his former teammates. The shared history and relationships have enhanced the team’s cohesion, contributing to a positive environment within the clubhouse.
Despite the changes in personnel, the Guardians managed to secure a playoff spot this season, although they were eliminated in the American League Wild Card series by Detroit. As the ALCS progresses, Naylor cherished the opportunity to reconnect with his former teammates and reminisce about the memories they shared during their time together.
Looking ahead, three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer is set to start Game 4 for the Toronto Blue Jays in Seattle. Scherzer’s activation follows his absence from the Division Series against the New York Yankees due to neck pain. Manager John Schneider expressed confidence in Scherzer’s abilities and highlighted the importance of maintaining a consistent routine for the veteran pitcher.
Scherzer’s return to the mound presents a significant moment for the Blue Jays as they aim to overcome a 2-0 series deficit against the Mariners. With Scherzer’s experience and track record, the team remains optimistic about his performance in this crucial game.